Phyllis Margaret Gent
May 25, 1934 – Jan. 30, 2015
It is with deep sadness we announce the unexpected passing of Phyllis Margaret Gent (nee Bell) on Friday January 30, 2015 at Lady Minto Hospital, Saltspring Island, BC due to complications of Pulmonary Fibrosis at 80 years of age.
Phyllis was born in Scotland on May 25, 1934. A feisty and vibrant Phyllis left for a job at a catering company in England when she was 18 years old and soon met Fred, the love of her life. Phyllis and Fred married on April 3, 1954 and celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary last year, a milestone that was very dear to Phyllis’ heart.
In 1957 the young couple decided to move to Canada. After an adventurous ship and train ride they arrived in St. Catherine’s, Ontario with 2 trunks, their dog Tinker and $200 to their names. They then moved to Toronto for Fred’s work and their children Yvette and Derek were born – the absolute joys of her life. The family moved to Niagara-on-the-Lake where Phyllis bred Staffordshire Bull Terriers, some of whom she showed, and all the while raising the kids, a husband and a variety of occupations such as various retail sales including real estate, she was a born saleswoman.
In 1973 they relocated to Vancouver, BC for work and then arrived on Saltspring Island in 1977. Phyllis was a dedicated fulltime caregiver for in-home clients with special needs until she retired in 2006 at the age of 72. Phyllis remained passionate and cared for rescue dogs in particular the Shar Pei breed. She dedicated many years with rescue dogs right up until her final days with her latest dog Karlie.
Phyllis is survived by her loving husband Fred, Brother Kenneth, sister-in-law Vivian and granddaughter Nicole. Phyllis was predeceased by both children, daughter Yvette (1960-1986) and son Derek (1962-2004).
A very warm heartfelt thank you goes out to the doctors and incredibly kind and attentive nurses at Lady Minto Hospital who provided gentle and compassionate care to Phyllis.
There will be a celebration of Phyllis’ life, details to be determined at a later date, and will be available at Hayward’s Funeral Service at www.haywardsfuneral.com where condolences and links for donations may be made. Memorial donations may be made to Shar Pei Rescue at www.vancouversharpeiresce.com or SPCA Saltspring Island Branch at www.spca.bc.ca/branches/salt-spring-island.com.